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That feeling.

I think most people rely on that feeling when ‘you just know’. It’s often used in dating, home shopping (during all big purchases really) and also when picking a new/the next dog for the household. It’s an emotional light that goes off that compels you to run in that direction and never look back. Some of us find ‘the one’ right away whereas others of us look longer before the feeling presents itself.

Take my friend V, she can walk into a Petsmart adoption event, see a dog from across the room and that dog will end up going home with her. That same day. It’s almost as if she knows before she goes. The proof of this is that three new dogs have shown up at her house in as many months. And in her lifetime, well I’ve lost count of how many animals she has saved. Her knowing has no fear or boundaries or walls. She is my hero.

I take longer. For one, I have a resident dog that has to meet the potential one before I can bring that one home. Thus, I cannot walk into a Petsmart and leave with one. Now some of you might be saying, bring Melvin to adoption events. You’re too funny, and apparently smoking crack. I will write a full post on why Melvin is ban from Petsmart. Also, while I believe in rescuing a pet, I tend to seek dogs who have been in foster long enough to know some quirks about them. I don’t so much care what the quirks are but I like to be ready with a plan on how to address them. I’m a planner. It’s a disease.

So far, in our quest that started late February, we have met five dogs. One of them got adopted the day after we met him. One of them was rejected immediately by Melvin (actually they both mutually rejected each other but Melvin was much more verbal and foamy about it). Two were not the right energy for Melvin (or me) although they did make for fun play dates. One had been abused and was in desperate need of having her soul mended. (While I very much want to be the person to fix her, unless I’m sure I can do that, I remain unsure. Melvin and her would likely have months of separation.) We also a have a dog that we are trying to meet who lives in Baltimore. My schedule has kept us from getting out there to meet her.

I am open to dogs with challenges. I tend to lean towards considering dogs who have health challenges over deep-set behavioral issues. I think that is mostly due to…

I work full-time away from the house. If I worked from home I’d have more time to work on the issue and;

My experience thus far has been with dogs who have had health needs. That is where my confidence is. Where others might see costly vet bills or large pill boxes, I see opportunity.

Which is why when I recently read about a dog with diabetes, who was going blind, I fell in love. Proof that there is someone for everyone.

1 thought on “That feeling.”

It is so important to make sure that a second (or third or fourth) dog is the right fit for your current pack. I know that Turk cannot handle dogs that are (a) bigger than him, (b) a boy, (c) pushy or overly dominant. We take this into consideration with fosters and even still, he may not like the pooch we bring home to foster. I think it’s good that you are being so picky – and that you are willing to take on a dog with health issues! Sick dogs or dogs with medical issues are always the hardest to get adopted (in my experience).